First timer Started riding last year.

[Boxedrust]

Hi I'm new here until a few years ago I used to be seriously allergic to horses my OH bought an Arab last year and started to get back into riding. At first my allergies would play up after every lesson. I'd drive her to lessons and wait however over time I developed a tolerance. I would watch lessons and started to get an itch to ride. My first lesson went well as did my second I've been lucky however I'm seriously considering my options do I get a horse of my own or keep up with lessons? I never realized how addictive this lifestyle choice could be.

 

[Arizahn]

Lessons. Lots of lessons. And then some more lessons.

 

[hnmisty]

Lessons. Lots of lessons. And then some more lessons.

Yup. The only thing I'd add to this is "And then even more lessons". Also getting some hands-on experience looking after horses, maybe see if the stables you're having your lessons at would let you help out, or try to find some stable management lessons.

There's never much point running before you can walk, and with horses doing so can end very badly.

How addictive and how expensive this lifestyle can be (and unglamourous )

 

[Boxedrust]

I'm planning on getting more lessons I enjoyed the experience of trotting and cantering especially on different surfaces, I help out when possible and recently found out that there's a history of horsemen and women on my dads side of the family. I don't mind the unglamourous side of the lifestyle we've met some amazing people and had some brilliant experiences.

 

[Kaida]

It's really good that you're getting into the lifestyle and it sounds like you're really taking to it! However, don't rush into getting your own horse. I would continue getting lessons and helping out at the yard -the sheer amount of work involved with having a horse is probably already well known to you but it's important to keep in the forefront of your mind!

I would also use the next year (at least) while you are having lessons to start saving money. If you do decide to buy a horse in the future, then you will have a nice little amount - and also a good idea of how much money a month you can put aside to pay for their keep, tack, incidentals etc.......

I've been riding for 23 years, and had my own horses for just under 20 years now. I still have lessons. If there is a local riding club (you may find your local riding school is a riding club centre) it would be worth looking into joining - if your local riding school runs it, a lot of them will provide a horse for your use at club events and this can be a great 'next step' to go on to before considering getting your own. You will be doing something different to riding in the school but still on a horse you will probably be able to have lessons on.

I hope you continue to enjoy this and have many happy times riding!

 

[Boxedrust]

The yard I'm at has a few qualified instructors and we're not that far from a school as well. I'm lucky in that the people at the yard are understanding and supportive.

 

[p87]

At this stage don't rush into getting your own horse, as you will need a bit of a plod that is safe enough to gain confidence with, and in time as your skills develop you are only going to want a better horse.

No matter how far in your riding you go, never forget that even the top eventers still have lessons! Quit lessons and quit learning, you will never know everything there is to know

 

[MadBlackLab]

I would also get some stable management lessons to so your prepared for when you do get a horse